G5: GCSP Cohort 5

Meet our Cohort 5 Grand Challenge Scholars!


GCSP e-portfolio here.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?
I believe pursuing a Grand Challenge is a great purpose for any individual that wants to make a significant impact on the world through their work. I aspire to give back to the community that raised me, but I have a strong inclination to do something to make the world better, even if that impact is infinitesimal in the grander scheme.

Which of the Grand Challenges you interest you most, and why?

All of the Grand Challenges are interesting! However, the most interesting of the challenges to me were Reverse-Engineer the Brain and Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery. I found those interesting as they were (in my opinion) the most ambitious and not very elucidate. From one perspective, it is challenging to imagine how we might one day reverse engineer the brain. Whereas, engineering the tools for scientific discovery, I believe, has the most potential for various interpretations. The way I define engineering tools for scientific discovery could be vastly different from many others pursuing these challenges now.

What are your plans after graduation? 

I hope to pursue a graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in quantum engineering/computing or computational neuroscience.


GCSP e-portfolio here.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?
I decided to join the Grand Challenge Scholar because the program is at the forefront of making changes on a global scale. The program’s vision truly resonated with me because of the challenges the program strives to solve by planting the seed of change in future engineers. I see myself in the program, and I believe that the program can put me on a path to help me achieve my goals. My ultimate goal is to help other developing countries develop their energy infrastructure. I want my legacy to stand on being able to move the growth of some countries forward to create a better living standard for their population. The UMBC Grand Challenger Scholars train will be a crucial advantage to my goal.

Which of the Grand Challenges you interest you most, and why?
The  Grand challenge that I am truly passionate about is the Sustainability Challenge focusing on “Make Solar Energy Economical.” I am interested in this problem because of what I experienced as a kid. Growing up in Nigeria, we had inconsistent access to electricity. One thing that was fascinating to think about is how electricity came and went throughout the day. I hope to help other growing countries develop their energy infrastructure by utilizing renewable energy.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.


GCSP e-portfolio here.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?
I was interested in opportunities to do interdisciplinary work and learn more about Engineering Better Medicine.

Which of the Grand Challenges you interest you most, and why?
Engineering Better Medicines interests me the most because I am interested in public health and medicine from and engineering perspective. This includes medical devices, prosthetics, etc.

What are your plans after graduation?
I want to do research a year abroad with full bright and then go to graduate school to get my PhD.


GCSP e-portfolio here.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?
I was primarily attracted to the holistic approach of the program. I could connect my various experiences to any Engineering Challenges.

Which of the Grand Challenges you interest you most, and why?
I am most interested in “Enhance Virtual Reality” because I wanted to have an impact on, we communicate and connect with one another in application to improving remote education.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work at FORD Motor Company as a Systems Engineer, and later earn a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Autonomous systems and Mobility.


GCSP e-portfolio here.

.


GCSP e-portfolio here.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?
The main motivation behind me wanting to join GCSP was the idea of learning how to engineer systems/products to directly help others, especially those who are less fortunate.

Which of the Grand Challenges you interest you most, and why?
Presently, I am focusing on and most interested in Advancing Personalized Learning. I had an internship this past summer (2021) at the US Naval Academy (USNA) that exposed me to STEM education for marginalized and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. This involved the creation of adaptable learning modules that aim to teach the students about a specific topic (my focus being space/magnetism). Discovering ways to make this module scalable and understandable for a wide age range was quite enjoyable, and helped guide me to the Grand Challenge of Advancing Personalized Learning!

What are your plans after graduation? 
It is split 50/50 at the moment between full time employment and graduate school. I have my reservations for both, but I hope to utilize both to better society while pursuing my passions; space exploration and aerospace engineering. There is also a possibility that I do volunteer work as well, such as Engineers Without Borders, to help with engineering problems across the globe.


GCSP e-portfolio here.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?
I decided to join GCSP because I was interested in becoming a more well-rounded scholar.

Which of the Grand Challenges you interest you most, and why?
I chose the Grand Challenge of Advancing Personalized Education. This is an important topic to me personally because I believe the education currently only accommodates and praises one type of learning. As educators we need to think more creatively about how we can reach the broadest base of students.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering! After obtaining my Ph.D. I hope to become an engineering professor.